Key facts about The Open University and Business School

The Open University (OU) is the UK's largest university and the world's first successful distance learning university, established 40 years ago. It is a state funded, not-for-profit university whose mission is to make a difference around the globe.

The Open University Business School is the world’s largest MBA provider with triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA).

• Directly and through our partners, we have over 250,000 students. 20,000 live outside the UK, studying more than 450 different courses.
• Our modern style of distance learning is very supportive, flexible and aware of the needs of both the individual and the employer. All courses are taught in English.
• We are ranked among the top five UK universities for teaching quality.
• Since 2005 student votes have consistently put The Open University in the top three UK universities for student satisfaction. We topped the poll for three years and in 2011 achieved joint third place alongside the University of Oxford.
• The vast majority of our students are employed, so they are earning while they are learning.
• More than 50,000 students are sponsored by their employers, mainly because work-based courses ensure relevance to their own business and distance learning adapts to work and life flows.
• Our distance learning courses range from short online modules all the way through to the MBA and other master degrees.
• You don’t need any previous qualifications to study for a Bachelors with us.
• We offer free learning resources on iTunes U and OpenLearn

For the views of students and clients, click Testimonials.
For the full story visit About the OU.

Key Facts about The Open University are available in French, German, Italian and Spanish.